1st and 2nd Grades

Grade 1 and 2 programs

Following are our current field trip programs. Content and activities will be adapted for the grade-level of your group.

SENSING NATURE:

Using their 5 senses, children will explore the Arboretum and find out about the plants and animals living here. As they learn to be "Nature Detectives," they will discover clues of seasonal changes, animal signs and sounds, and plant textures and scents. Children will learn the ways in which their own senses compare to those of the creatures that live here.

Program length: 1 ½ - 2 hours

This program emphasizes the following New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Science:

5.1 C: Reflect on Scientific Knowledge,

5.1 D: Participate Productively in Science

5.3 A: Organization and Development

5.3 B: Matter and Energy Transformations

5.3 C: Interdependence

5. 3 E: Evolution and Diversity

5.4 E: Energy in Earth Systems

5.4 F: Climate and Weather

5.4 G: Biogeochemical Cycles

FROM SEED TO PLANT:

Via hands-on activities, students will embark on the incredible journey of a seed. Students will learn how seeds are made and will be "pollinators" helping flowers to produce seeds. They will discover the diverse adaptations plants have developed for dispersal of seeds and play a game to see what factors help or harm a seed’s growth. In the Greenhouse, students will plant seeds in pots that they will take home at the end of the day.

Program length: 1 ½ - 2 hours

This program emphasizes the following New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Science:

5.1 D: Participate Productively in Science

5.2 A: Properties of Matter

5.2 C: Forms of Energy

5.3 A: Organization and Development

5.3 B: Matter and Energy Transformations

5.3 C: Interdependence

5.3 D: Heredity and Reproduction

5.3 E: Evolution and Diversity

5.4 C: Properties of Earth Materials

5.4 E: Energy in Earth Systems

5.4 G: Biogeochemical Changes

A BUG’S LIFE:

The Arboretum is the perfect natural classroom for introducing students to the incredible world of insects and their fascinating physical characteristics, special senses and lifecycles. Students will learn about one of the most amazing phenomena of the natural world: the Monarch Migration and will discover the social structure and communication skills of our Arboretum residents, the honeybees.

Program length: 1 ½ - 2 hours

This program emphasizes the following New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Science:

5.1 A: Understand Scientific Explanations

5.1 B: Generate Scientific Evidence through Active Investigations

5.1D: Participate Productively in Science

5.3 A: Organization and Development

5.3 B: Matter and Energy Transformations

5.3 C: Interdependence

5:3 D: Heredity and Reproduction

5.3 E: Evolution and Diversity

5.4 G: Biogeochemical Cycles

HOME SWEET HABITAT:

The Arboretum is home to many creatures. What do they need to survive? Students will discover the essential components of every habitat and will find out what happens when any of those components are missing or altered. Through games and activities, students will also explore how populations are affected by changes in habitats.

Program length: 2 hours

This program emphasizes the following New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Science:

5.1A: Understand Scientific Explanations

5.1B: Generate Scientific Evidence through Active Investigation

5.1C: Reflect on Scientific Knowledge

5.1D: Participate Productively in Science

5.3A: Organization and Development

5.3B: Matter and Energy Transformation

5.3C: Interdependence

5.3D: Heredity and Reproduction

5.3E: Evolution and Diversity

5.4G: Biogeochemical Changes

TREE ESSENTIALS:

The Arboretum’s wide variety of impressive trees makes it the ideal setting in which to encounter these giants of the plant world. Select any two lessons from the list below to customize your field trip.

Program length: 2 hours

The Tree and Me

Where would we be without trees? Students will gain a newfound appreciation of the many ways in which we depend upon trees in our daily lives and for the long-term health of our planet.

The Secret Life of Trees

What’s going on inside our trees? Via hands-on activities throughout the Arboretum, students will learn about the structure of a tree and understand how its different parts work together to help it function.

Tree ID

Tree Story

Students will learn the basics of tree identification by exploring the shape, leaves, bark, buds, fruit and flowers of different Arboretum trees.

From sapling to decaying log, a tree’s role in its habitat is vital. Students will explore the conditions that affect a tree’s ability to thrive and will discover the many creatures and plants that depend upon trees for survival.

This program emphasizes the following New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards for Science: